I'm so excited about all I'm learning regarding incorporating technology into my classroom! I am especially impressed with using this "wiki" as a medium for communicating with students, parents as well as fellow professionals! I would like to address individually the value that I see for all three groups mentioned above.
First and foremost, I will address the students, since it is the calling to educate and be the "conduit" to facilitate their learning that brings all teachers together for this noble purpose. Children have what seems to be a "natural connection" to learning through technology, specifically computers. If we look at teachers and parents as being"the conduit," we have the ongoing opportunity to provide "the wiring" or knowledge that we desire to place in the conduit to transmit the "life curriculum" we wish for them to learn! Their innate "natural connection" automatically knows how to receive the information much like bluetooth technology! In summary, I see this wiki as an awesome tool to actualize all the goals expressed above.
Secondly, I see the wiki as a great tool where parents can see what their children are doing in school. I have the materials covered and assignments listed on my wiki, which is helpful when their child is sick or simply to confirm homework on any given day. Additionally, the wiki provides them with many Web 2.0 resources that they can encourage their children to investigate that promote further learning! Parents may also communicate with me about their child or share helpful ideas through this medium. The possibilities are endless and new ideas pop in my head constantly!
Finally, I wish to discuss the dynamic opportunities available to teaching professionals as we embrace the countless choices the wiki offers as we plan and implement instruction. Individually and collectively, educators have choices in how they engage students cognitively; in how they use technology to amplify imagination; and in how they involve parents in their children's education. (Cummins, Brown & Sayers, 2007, p. 226) As an educator advancing from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 possibilities, I'm empowered by the incredible potential that lies before me! Whereas Web 1.0 tools allow only website owners (not users) to collaborate or manipulate the information or text displayed, Web 2.0 tools enable users to create, edit, manipulate, and collaborate online. (Handsfield, Dean & Cielocha, 2009, p. 40)
In conclusion, the wiki, as a Web 2.0 technology will be an unbelievable vehicle to disseminate pertinent information to students, parents and teaching professionals. The wiki possesses a dynamic "life of it's own" and evolves as an interactive tool. I look forward to reflecting again in the future after I have had an opportunity to explore my wiki further!
Cummins, J., Brown, K., & Sayers, D. (2007). Literacy, technology, and diversity (p. 226). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Handsfield, L., Dean, T., & Cielocha, K. (2009). Becoming critical consumers and producers of text: teaching literacy with web 1.0 and web 2.0. The Reading Teacher, 63(1), 40.
Welcome to my 2.0 Classroom!!!
Wikilive Friends,
I'm so excited about all I'm learning regarding incorporating technology into my classroom! I am especially impressed with using this "wiki" as a medium for communicating with students, parents as well as fellow professionals! I would like to address individually the value that I see for all three groups mentioned above.
First and foremost, I will address the students, since it is the calling to educate and be the "conduit" to facilitate their learning that brings all teachers together for this noble purpose. Children have what seems to be a "natural connection" to learning through technology, specifically computers. If we look at teachers and parents as being"the conduit," we have the ongoing opportunity to provide "the wiring" or knowledge that we desire to place in the conduit to transmit the "life curriculum" we wish for them to learn! Their innate "natural connection" automatically knows how to receive the information much like bluetooth technology! In summary, I see this wiki as an awesome tool to actualize all the goals expressed above.
Secondly, I see the wiki as a great tool where parents can see what their children are doing in school. I have the materials covered and assignments listed on my wiki, which is helpful when their child is sick or simply to confirm homework on any given day. Additionally, the wiki provides them with many Web 2.0 resources that they can encourage their children to investigate that promote further learning! Parents may also communicate with me about their child or share helpful ideas through this medium. The possibilities are endless and new ideas pop in my head constantly!
Finally, I wish to discuss the dynamic opportunities available to teaching professionals as we embrace the countless choices the wiki offers as we plan and implement instruction. Individually and collectively, educators have choices in how they engage students cognitively; in how they use technology to amplify imagination; and in how they involve parents in their children's education. (Cummins, Brown & Sayers, 2007, p. 226) As an educator advancing from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 possibilities, I'm empowered by the incredible potential that lies before me! Whereas Web 1.0 tools allow only website owners (not users) to collaborate or manipulate the information or text displayed, Web 2.0 tools enable users to create, edit, manipulate, and collaborate online. (Handsfield, Dean & Cielocha, 2009, p. 40)
In conclusion, the wiki, as a Web 2.0 technology will be an unbelievable vehicle to disseminate pertinent information to students, parents and teaching professionals. The wiki possesses a dynamic "life of it's own" and evolves as an interactive tool. I look forward to reflecting again in the future after I have had an opportunity to explore my wiki further!
Regards,
Mrs. Loretta Kelly
http://www.EducationCity.com
http://www.mathforum.com
References
Cummins, J., Brown, K., & Sayers, D. (2007). Literacy, technology, and diversity (p. 226). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Handsfield, L., Dean, T., & Cielocha, K. (2009). Becoming critical consumers and producers of text: teaching literacy with web 1.0 and web 2.0. The Reading Teacher, 63(1), 40.